Hydrogels in the human body, such as cartilage and tendons, are soft and flexible; yet show incredibly toughness and extensibility. By contrast, man-made rubbers, have excellent mechanical toughness but are inherently stiff due to topological constraints known as entanglements, which prevent polymer chains from crossing and act as crosslinks. Thus, entanglements place a physical lower bound on how soft elastomers can be made without adding liquid fillers. As such, soft materials with Young's moduli, E<1MPa are composed of multiple components and are not chemically pure substances. By introducing liquid fillers to polymeric materials, the stiffness may be decreased, however this swollen material is mechanically brittle and leaks the filler material upon deformation inhibiting their use in many biomedical applications. Additionally, swelling with solvent hindering their ability to be formed or molded into structures after their synthesis. The project involves synthesis of ultrasoft elastomers using controlled polymerization techniques to fabricate triblock co-polymers with a middle block of silicone polymers in a 'bottlebrush' architecture which eliminate entanglements making the material soft without the necessity for solvent. The polymer will also include functional end blocks composed of thermoplastics, such as polystyrene, which undergo a glass transition upon cooling, allow this material to thermoset reversibly, i.e. 3D printed. Additionally, the candidate will build a high resolution 3D printer that can print small scale finely detailed structures which will be applied as cellular tissue scaffolds. Lastly, the project involves extensive investigation of the physical chemistry of such polymeric materials, how they form, how they relax, and how they self-assembly on multiple length and time scales using a wide variety of experimental techniques.

We are looking for a candidate with a background in physical chemistry, polymer chemistry or soft matter.

We offer you a temporary position for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation. Gross salary per month €2.222,00 in the first year rising up to €2.840,00 per month in the fourth year.

We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.

Wageningen University & Research

Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter at Wageningen University is interested in phenomena at the nanoscale, where creative chemistry is essential, complex physics is a rule rather than an exception and biology comes the life. The laboratory works on Soft Matter in the broadest sense of the word, combining experiment and theory, chemistry and physics and fundamental and applied science. The laboratory has a large range of state-of-the art equipment. See www.pcc.wur.nl

The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen University & Research where fundamental and applied sciences complement each other. As an important European player, we carry out top-level research and work alongside authoritative partners within the international business world as well as the government on "Healthy food in a biobased society". We have a crucial role in innovations within the market. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are what define us. In short, we are an interesting, international employer of stature.

Wageningen University & Research
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society - such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 5000 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.

Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at www.wur.nl/en/Jobs.htm

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.